Costa Rica Travel Guide & Tourism (2024)

Costa Rica Travel Essentials

Ideal Duration: 7-10 days for exploring rainforests, volcanoes, and beaches

Currency: Costa Rican Colon (CRC)

Best Time: December to April Read More

Accommodation Cost (per night in USD):
Dorm bed: $10-25
Budget: $30-60
Mid-range: $80-150
Luxury: $200 and above

Budget for Food & Drinks (per day in USD): Budget: $10-20
Mid-range: $30-50

Visa Policy for Indians: Visa not required for short stays

Visa Policy for Other Nationals: Visa not required for many countries for short stays

Getting In Costa Rica:
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia Read More

Getting Around Costa Rica: Buses, rental cars, taxis, domestic flights Read More

"Abundance of Natural Beauty"

Costa Rica Tourism

Costa Rica, a Catholic country in Central America, shares its borders with Nicaragua and Panama. It has the Pacific Ocean to the west and Carribean Coast to the East. Dominated by Roman Catholics, it is a secular country and respects all religions. Costa Ricans or the people living in the country are called Ticos. The country is known for a variety of wildlife, distinct culture and plethora of adventure activities. You will find yourself lost in the national parks surrounded by unique flora and fauna. Myriad adventures from surfing to horse riding will make your Costa Rica trip electrifying and memorable. Moreover, the high-spirited and hospitable Ticos, captivating nightlife and quiet beaches are the major attraction for tourists.

Best time to visit Costa Rica

Summers in Costa Rica are hot and humid. However, the country is not foggy, and you can enjoy mesmerising views. Heavy rainfall is witnessed during September to October. The best time to explore the country is from May to June and from November to early December when the beauty of Costa Rica reaches another level. Avoid visiting in December end, because the place is very crowded and hotel prices are unbelievingly high.

Holidify's opinion on Travel to Costa Rica

What's Great about Travelling to Costa Rica?

Safe and hygienic country. Friendly people. Tranquil environment. Picturesque sceneries. Hub of adventures.

What's Not So Great about Travelling to Costa Rica?

Unpredictable weather and heavy rainfall. Sky-rocketing prices of almost everything. Some people tend to overcharge foreigners. The poor condition of roads.

Who should Travel to Costa Rica?

Adventure fanatics. Nature and wildlife lovers. Spiritual peace seekers.

Read More on Costa Rica Travel

Exchanging Money in Costa Rica

There are many ATMs in Costa Rica. If your card can be used internationally, you can get local currency from ATMs. Exchanging currency from a local bank is the best way since you will get a favourable exchange rate. It is advised not to exchange currency at airports since the rates are horrible there.

Nightlife in Costa Rica

Ticos (Costa Ricans) love to hang out in bars, restaurants and casinos. There are over forty casinos in the country, mostly in major cities like San Jose, Jaco and Puntarenas. Gambling in the country is legal. Popular games played in casinos are blackjack, canasta, pai gow poker and Caribbean stud. While San Jose offers all kinds of bars and pubs,Êbeachtowns like Tamarindo and Puerto Viejo are the hub of party lovers. In all these major cities, you will find people going crazy, dancing on loud music, drinking and gambling till late night.

Shopping in Costa Rica

Costa Rica does not have impressive markets for handicrafts but, you can shop for carved wooden crockery. The most famous markets for craft items is Sarchi which is known for Costa Rican oxcart. Costa Rican coffee is worth taking home. Check the quality before buying. You can also pick Pre-Columbian gold jewellery. Hand-carved masks made by indigenous Boruca people are also an attraction. There are markets in Montezuma, Cahuita, Tamarindo selling Indonesian clothing. Besides local products, the country has opulent malls where you can find all international brands. San Jose's Central Market also entice tourists.

Festivals of Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, the festivals and cultural events show the beliefs, emotions and religious diversity of the country. Irrespective of the caste, creed and colour, people belonging to all religions unite to celebrate special occasions of the country. Grand processions and parades are carried out; people dress traditionally, cultural performances are arranged, bullfights, fireworks and jubilant dance are also a part of some festivals. Some of the major festivals of Costa Rica are- Puntarenas Carnival, Caribbean Music Festival, Independence Day, Corpus Christi, Semana Santa. Also, popular festivals like New Year and Christmas are also celebrated in the country with great pomp.

Hygiene in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is very safe when it comes to health. The water of most places is clean and bacteria-free. However, if you are not vaccinated, stay away from wild dogs, monkeys and other scratching animals. Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B, diphtheria are not common in Costa Rica but, make sure your jabs are up to date. The country witnesses scorching heat, therefore, apply sunscreen. Keep over-the-counter medicines for diseases like dehydration and diarrhoea which can be caused due to excessive heat and lack of water. Be careful if you are travelling to southern Caribbean coast since the risk of malaria is high there. If visiting during monsoons, make sure to carry mosquitoes repellents. Lastly, beware of snakes.

Customs of Costa Rica

People are kind and friendly in Costa Rica therefore, raising your voice or expressing your anger in public is considered offensive. Dressing rules for men and women are not strict. You are not expected to dress conservatively. Men in the country are quite outspoken and don't hesitate to show their appreciation forÊwomen. So, staring and whistling is common and is meant as a compliment. Costa Ricans are not punctual at all, and late arrivals are not considered as brusque.

Tips for visiting Costa Rica

Avoid leaving tips in restaurants, sometimes it is considered as a confusing gesture. Carry medicines and lot of water while exploring the country. Have enough money with you since Costa Rica is expensive. Take proper shoes and long, thick pants as a prevention from snakes. Weather remains unpredictable so, make sure to pack waterproof clothing and bags. If you have time, learn some main Spanish words to communicate easily.

Food of Costa Rica

Costa Rican dishes are usually less complicated and are made up of simple ingredients but, they are scrumptious. Rice and black beans are found in most meals. Gallo Pinto is the national dish of Costa Rica which contains red and white beans with rice. Some of the dishes which are found all over the world are ceviche, pargo, Corvina. Fresh fruits and vegetables are available in abundance. The country is famous for its coffee and refrescosÊ(fresh fruit juices). Even if you are a vegetarian, most restaurants have vegetarian dishes.

FAQs on Costa Rica

How to reach Costa Rica from India?

Flights are the only way to reach Costa Rica from India. There are regular flights from major international airports in India to San Jose. Airlines which operate on these routes are Cathay Pacific, United Airlines, Jet Airways, British Airways and American Airlines. Fares range from approximately INR 90,000 to INR 3,00,000.

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Costa Rica Travel Guide